Argyll and Bute Council has welcomed the progress being made on an ongoing programme of investment in the regions ports and harbours.

The Harbour Board has provided the council with a report on the ongoing £15.5 million infrastructure and passenger-service improvement initiatives.

The council runs 39 ports and harbours. Its Asset Management Plan covers a rolling 10 year period, and includes initiatives in progress as well as projects in development.

• Dunoon and Kilcreggan infrastructure upgrade

• Craignure passenger access system

• Craignure long term plan for a new terminal and marshalling area

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• Rothesay Harbour pontoons, and piling and grouting work

• Iona and Fionnphort breakwaters and overnight berthing facility

Councillor Andrew Kain, Chair of the Harbour Board, said: "Few areas in Scotland need their council to run ports and harbours. With the highest number of inhabited islands however, Argyll and Bute needs its council to deliver the considerable investment and expertise required for effective marine services.

"There are challenges in running 39 ports and harbours. However, the council's Marine Operations Service is working not only to provide these vital services, but to do so at a standard higher than most other UK ports and harbours. I welcome this level of ambition for Argyll and Bute."

The Harbour Board also considered an update on the progress the council is making in gaining the Port Marine Safety Code (PMSC) - a good practice standard that few ports and harbours in the UK have secured.

The current list of 230+ ports, published by The Department for Transport as complying with the Code, represents around 14% of UK ports and 30% of Statutory Harbour Authorities.

The PMSC is additional to other mandatory requirements for running ports and harbours.